Mary Lou McDonald, Simon Harris and others have condemned the protest which Gardaí attended on Sunday.
Members of Government have moved to condemn a “vile”, “homophobic” and “sickening” protest that took place outside the home of Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and his partner Matt Barrett on Sunday, 19 September.
Gardaí were alerted to a number of protestors outside a residence in Dublin 8 at approximately 1pm on Sunday, a Garda spokesperson confirmed to JOE, adding that Gardaí attended and the protest ended without incident.
Video circulated online of the incident, viewed by JOE, contained the use of homophobic and racist language, while at least one banner appeared to carry an anti-vaccine message.
The protest drew a strong reaction from TDs, including opposition leader Mary Lou McDonald, who called for those involved to be investigated and prosecuted.
“The homophobic, bigoted intimidation witnessed at the home of Leo Varadkar is outrageous and shameful,” McDonald wrote on Twitter on Sunday night. “The perpetrators must be held to account.”
The homophobic, bigoted intimidation witnessed at the home of Leo Varadkar today is outrageous and shameful. The perpetrators must be held to account.
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) September 19, 2021
Minister for Higher and Further Education Simon Harris, meanwhile, called out the incident in particularly strong terms.
“Sickening, repulsive, disgusting behaviour outside the home of Leo Varadkar and Matt [Barrett],” said Harris.
“It has no place in a democracy, must be condemned by all and called out for what it is. Efforts to dehumanise politicians contributes to this. Vile on so many levels.”
Sickening, repulsive, disgusting behaviour outside the home of @LeoVaradkar and Matt. It has no place in a democracy, must be condemned by all & called out for what it is. Efforts to dehumanise politicians contributes to this. Vile on so many levels
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) September 19, 2021
The Tánaiste also received support from political figures including Josepha Madigan, Gary Gannon and Brendan Griffin, among others.
“It’s not okay for the mob to appear at [the] home of Leo Varadkar shouting invective vitriol,” said Madigan.
“Call this out as unacceptable. Those who flippantly attack here on social media and mainstream media might reflect on their words. This is the consequence. Let’s not take democracy for granted.”
It’s not OK for the mob to appear at home of @LeoVaradkar shouting invective vitriol! Call this out as unacceptable! Those who flippantly attack here on social media & mainstream media might reflect on their words. This is the consequence! Let’s not take democracy for granted!
— Josepha Madigan ⚖️✨ (@josephamadigan) September 19, 2021
Varadkar has yet to comment publicly on Sunday’s incident.
Featured Image via Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie
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